Carlo Ancelotti weighs in on Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate

Carlo Ancelotti has given his thoughts on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate in the aftermath of the former’s World Cup triumph.

Both Messi and Ronaldo, considered by many to be the two best players of all-time, headed into this year’s World Cup knowing it would be their last chance to win football’s biggest prize, with both failing to do so in their first four attempts.

Messi ultimately prevailed this time around, getting seven goals including two in the final to lead Argentina to glory.

Ronaldo’s tournament couldn’t have been anymore different with Portugal being knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals and the 37-year-old being dropped to the bench for their final two matches.

When asked whether Messi’s triumph had settled the debate in the Argentine’s favour though, Real Madrid manager Ancelotti was reluctant to pick a side.

“This duel gave them both motivations,” he said on Radio Anch’io Sport.

“In recent years, they have been the main players in the world of football, playing great and scoring many goals.

“Messi closes his career with the World Cup, CR7 closes it in a different way, but it was extraordinary anyway. Especially here, in Madrid, he will remain forever in the hearts of the fans.”

Ronaldo is a free agent after agreeing to terminate his Manchester United contract early, and Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr currently looks like his most likely next destination, although he’s yet to decide whether to accept their offer.

However, Ancelotti thinks the forward still wants to compete at the highest level and so would rather stay in Europe.

“I don’t know what he will do in his future, he is still very competitive, he wants to compete at the highest level and I don’t think the Arab world can be suitable for him in this regard,” the Italian stated.